Minimum insurance requirements for Alabama

The minimum amount of Alabama auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. In the event of a covered accident, your limits for bodily injury are $25,000 per person, with a total maximum of $50,000 per incident. It also covers up to $25,000 for damage to another person’s property.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage provides for your legal defense if a lawsuit is brought against you as a result of a covered accident. As a resident of Alabama, there are two types of liability coverage your insurance policy must include: property damage and bodily injury.

  • Property damage safeguards your assets if you are found legally responsible for a covered accident. It covers certain damage you may cause to the property or vehicle of another party.
  • Bodily injury safeguards your assets if you’re found legally responsible for a covered accident, including certain expenses associated with bodily harm sustained by the other parties.

Comprehensive

This type of Alabama auto insurance coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs from non-collision related incidents (subject to deductible). Such incidents include theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, and contact with animals.

Collision

Collision coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs from collision with another vehicle or object (subject to deductible).

Optional Alabama insurance coverages

It’s often a good idea to add the following coverages to your policy so you can enjoy the security of being protected on the road:

Uninsured/underinsured motorist - bodily injury

If you're involved in an accident where the other party is at fault and either uninsured or doesn't carry enough coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may cover your bodily injury damages.

Medical benefits

This insurance may cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses or funerals for you and others who are covered under your policy in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, up to the amount you choose.

Note: May not be selected if choosing Family Compensation.

Family compensation

This option may cover necessary medical, confinement and death benefits for you or relatives in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Note: May not be selected if choosing Medical Benefits.

What factors affect your car insurance rate?

Some car insurance rating factors, such as your driving record, can significantly impact your insurance costs. Below are the most common rating factors used to determine a low or high risk driver.

1. Your vehicle

The type of car you own can affect your car insurance rate. This will include car safety features, year and make, age of the vehicle, vehicle ownership and cost of repairing the vehicle.

2. Where you live

Car insurance rates vary by state and zip code. Each state has their own regulations and insurance coverage requirements.

3. Your characteristics

Your demographics such as age, gender, marital status, credit score and profession can impact your rate.

4. Driving history

Your driving history would include your driving record, how much you drive and years of driving experience.

What can increase my car insurance rate?

Once you find the right coverage, be sure to keep in mind the factors that can increase your rate.

1. Traffic violations

Traffic violations include minor and major violations such as speeding tickets, careless driving and DUIs.

2. At-fault accidents

At-fault accidents that result in large insurance claims may affect your premium.

3. Adding a driver to your policy

If someone else drives your car you should add them to your policy. Their driving record and driving history may increase your insurance rate.

4. Lapse in insurance

A lapse in car insurance is when you have a registered car but no car insurance. Going without car insurance in many states can make you a high-risk driver when purchasing car insurance.

What are the consequences of driving without car insurance?

Driving uninsured can result in varying penalties and is against the law in most states. The consequences of driving without insurance outweigh the monthly insurance premium and may result in the following penalties.

1. Fines

Fines vary by state and can add up to thousands of dollars if you are involved in an accident.

2. License suspension

Some states revoke or suspend your license if you are caught driving without insurance.

3. Vehicle impounded

In some states your vehicle may be towed and you will not be able to claim your car until you submit proof of insurance. Getting your car back will require additional impound and reinstatement fees.

4. Vehicle repair and medical costs

If you are uninsured and involved in an accident you have to pay out-of-pocket for damages and, depending on the severity of the accident, the costs can be very high. You could even be sued for bodily injury or property damage.

5. Increase in car insurance premium

Driving uninsured will make you a high-risk driver and this can increase your premium. Some states require an SR-22 document to prove you can meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Having an SR-22 will reflect poorly on your driving record.
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Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Such terms and availability may vary by state and exclusions may apply.